Thought for the Day

When we look at this scripture, we find that God keeps the paths (plural) of judgment. This reveals that there are two paths of judgment and that judgment is two-fold:

The Judgment of the Wicked: The wicked will be punished for their deeds; if not in this life, then certainly in hell. Those who refuse to accept Christ as Savior will pay the penalty for their sins. They will reap what they have sown. "But as for them whose heart walketh after the heart of their detestable things and their abominations, I will recompense their way upon their own heads, saith the LORD God" (Ezekiel 11:21). "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting" (Galatians 6:7-8). We shall all appear before the Judgment Seat of Christ to be judged (2 Corinthians 5:10).

The Judgment of the Righteous: The righteous will be rewarded for their faithfulness. "Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded" (Proverbs 13:13). "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him" (Hebrews 11:6). We must all one day stand before the judgment seat of Christ. America's system of justice provides a picture of God's judgment. Defendants are brought to court to stand trial. Some are convicted of crimes and sentenced to death or imprisonment for their deeds. Others go to court to contest injustices, and are awarded settlements of money. Mistakes are often made in our system of justice, but we can trust God to judge all things fairly and righteously. If we have been wrongly judged or treated unfairly, God will eventually prove our innocence and properly reward us. Our greatest reward is living with Jesus eternally in heaven.

Today's verse also says that God preserves the way of the righteous, meaning that He protects and cares for His own. He will make a way out of our problems for us if there is no way out in the natural. The Lord delights in answering our prayers, even if a miracle is needed to do so. Remember: Miracles are God's specialty!